POS0212-HPR VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR PEOPLE WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS – AN EMPLOYER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: C. M. T. Madsen, J. Frølund, W. J. Leach, J. Primdahl, A. Bremander, J. Reffstrup Christensen
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> After diagnosis, people with inflammatory arthritis (IA), i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, often experience reduced work ability and increased sick leave. As a result, they have an increased risk of job loss and permanent exclusion from the labour market. Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is complex. VR includes a variety of components that aim to increase work ability and prevent sick leave and job loss. Effects of VR for people with IA are sparse [1]. To develop relevant VR in Denmark for people with IA, a good understanding of the employer perspective is important, as their involvement is crucial to effective VR. <h3>Objectives</h3> To explore how employers support their employees with IA to maintain their jobs and prevent sickness absenteeism and job loss. <h3>Methods</h3> A qualitative, explorative design was applied, based on a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach. We invited employer representatives (n=13) from workplaces where people with IA were employed (public and private companies with 11- 380 employees). An interview guide was developed based on qualitative research and the theory of occupational justice [2]. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed from November 2020 to February 2021. Data were analysed using Kirsti Malterud's systematic text condensation. <h3>Results</h3> Three themes were derived from the analysis: 1)<i>Participation in work</i>. All employer representatives were aware of and wanted to help solve their employees' challenges at work, but it was complicated and time consuming for them. They supported their employees through adaptation and prioritising of work tasks, arranged flexible working hours and were aware of the employee's need to balance work and family in everyday life. The employer representatives considered that the employees needed to be motivated, if job loss was to be prevented. 2)<i>Relationship between employer and employee.</i> In general, the employer representatives found it important for the employee to have trust in the employer and ask for help, in order to receive support. To prevent job loss, the relationship was essential. Furthermore, they made a big effort in supporting the employee. They stretched to meet the needs of their employees and they found that empathy was an important quality. 3)<i>Multidisciplinary collaboration.</i> The employer representatives involved the municipal job centres regarding legislative offers when necessary, and they requested the employee for collaboration with the healthcare professionals involved in treating the employees' IA. Furthermore, they asked for guidance from relevant trade unions, to find out about legislation in relation to sick leave. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Overall, the employer representatives wanted to support their employees with IA and to be involved in VR, even though preventing sick leave and job loss was experienced as complicated, time consuming and costly for the companies. <h3>References</h3> [1]Madsen CMT, Bisgaard SK, Primdahl J, Christensen JR, von Bülow C. A Systematic Review of Job Loss Prevention Interventions for Persons with Inflammatory Arthritis. J Occup Rehabil. 2021;31(4):866-85. [2]Nilsson I, Townsend E. Occupational Justice-Bridging theory and practice. Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy. 2010;17(1):57-63. <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> NIL. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.